Laugh out loud: It may be just what the doctor ordered

When was the last time you laughed? Did you know that laughter can contribute to better health? And the best part is that it’s free.

Even dad jokes are beneficial (so ignore any eye-rolls that come your way).

Let’s try one: Where do boats in New Orleans go when they’re sick? To the dock.

How about: Have you heard that dogs can’t operate an MRI machine? But CAT-scan.

Are you laughing yet? Discover why laughter helps us out and how to add extra laughs to your day.

What happens when you laugh

Think of a time when you had a really hearty laugh and how it made you feel. More than likely, you experienced what’s known as a “natural high.” It’s similar to the “runner’s high” people often talk about after an intense workout. This “high” happens because of endorphins.

When we laugh, our brain releases chemicals called endorphins that affect the opiate receptors in our brain. Basically, endorphins give us a sense of enhanced pleasure. And they’re a natural pain killer.

Laughter also produces serotonin, another brain chemical that acts as a natural antidepressant. So, a burst of laughter usually puts you in a better mood and reduces stress.

COVID, the flu, and the common cold walk into a bar … What is this? Some kind of sick joke?

Health benefits of laughter

Regular laughter is good for both kids and adults and can go a long way to help improve your physical and mental health. Laughs can:

• Form social bonds: If you’re in a group and someone starts laughing, others will probably join in. Laughing promotes a sense of togetherness.
• Improve blood flow: Laughter increases blood flow, which can help protect against heart problems and other health issues.
• Lower anxiety and stress in children: Researchers found that children in the hospital who had clowns visit and entertain them had less anxiety and reduced stress. Their health also showed better improvement compared to those treated with standard care.
• Promote healthy relationships: Studies have shown that couples who laugh together have higher-quality relationships. Women also rate a sense of humor as one of the top traits when looking for a potential mate.
• Reduce tension: When you laugh, your muscles relax, and you may feel less tense. Laughing can even lower cortisol levels that feed into your “fight or flight” stress response.

It’s a good idea never lie to an X-ray technician. Why? Because they can see right through you.

Ways to add more laughter to your life

It should be easy to laugh. And for some, it is. Picture a young child who gets the giggles. Suddenly, everyone else starts laughing, even if they don’t know why. Laughter is contagious, and it’s nice to have a good laugh every now and then.

Here are some ways to incorporate a little humor into your life:

• Spend time with fun people who laugh a lot and make you laugh, too. A lighthearted, silly person can brighten your day.
• Bring humor into your conversations when appropriate. It lightens the mood and leads to laughter.
• Smile, just because. A smile is like laughter—it’s contagious and can improve how you’re feeling.
• Count your blessings instead of what’s not going well. Optimism can make it easier to laugh.
• Find what’s funny to you, and do it more often. Maybe you enjoy watching stand-up comedians, sit-coms, or dogs at the dog park. Put yourself in situations that put a smile on your face!

Why did the doctor laugh at the X-ray? Because it was humerus.

Primary care that makes you smile

At LCMC Health, we take your health seriously. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have fun. Our providers are always ready to give a little extra—including a laugh when you need it. Find a primary care provider or schedule your annual appointment today.

Because while laughing is good for you, it can’t treat all that ails you. Preventive care is super important. And that’s no joke.